UPDATE: DUI checkpoint scheduled for Friday

Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station will stage a checkpoint to screen for drivers who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or operating their vehicles without a license on Friday.

The checkpoint will be held somewhere in the city of Santa Clarita between the hours of 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Locations of checkpoints are not revealed ahead of time but, “are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public,” according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes,” the news release reads. “Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.”

During the checkpoint, deputies will contact drivers and check for signs of alcohol or drug impairment, as well as make sure drivers are properly licensed.

“Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000,” the news release reads.

Funding for operations such as these comes from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.